Embarrassing questions about male horse anatomy

I've been wondering this since my sil brought this horse home from the auction, and I'm finally getting the nerve to ask. Do geldings normally go around a good bit of the time with their penis hanging down? This horse does this often, and at time looks as though he is trying to direct an orchestra with it! I know I've read something on here about needing to clean the penis and sheath.... today while he was proudly displaying it for me I could not help but notice that there is something orange and dried looking all over it. Does this mean it needs cleaning? If so,where can I find out how to go about cleaning it? Thanks a bunch.

LOL, hah directing an orchestra, I love that My boy hangs when he is relaxed, yes. If you see the orange stuff, known as *smegma* then he is probably due for a cleaning. Some people use sheath cleaner, I use just plain old warm water and a nice soft rag, or my hand, usually. Crosstie the boy, then standing facing his rump, next to his body, (away from flailing hooves, this is your safety zone) gently begin your cleaning. Most horses will suck back up, once you start fiddling with it. just reach gently between the folds of his sheath and pull out what you can. Some horses will also get what is called a *bean* around the tip of the penis. You can check for this by gently opening the hole and feeling with your fingertips, it will feel like a bean, kind of hard and size will vary. Sheath cleaning is important because if not done regularly, can contribute to irritation, difficulty urinating.

Saddlehappy, don’t be embarrassed, the best way to find out is to ask. This is normal behavior for geldings. This area should be cleaned. The orange dry looking stuff is a wax buildup this is also normal but it’s good to clean it once in a while to prevent bacteria from getting started in there. One way is to wash inside the sheath with warm water and a cloth. You will have to reach up in the sheath it get it clean. You can then rinse it out by sticking a hose up into the sheath and turning it on (low). DO NOT USE SOAP. It will be messy as the buildup can be ½ inch thick or more if it’s been some time between cleanings. Hope this helps some